Niger Accuses EU of Interfering in Internal Affairs

Niger has summoned the European Union’s chargé d’affaires in response to a parliamentary resolution demanding the release of ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.

The Nigerien government criticized what it described as the EU’s “paternalistic and condescending attitude.” The European Parliament’s resolution asserted that Bazoum, who assumed office in 2021 following an electoral victory, remains Niger’s democratically elected leader.

Analysts indicate that Bazoum’s strong connections with France, the former colonial power, may have influenced his removal amid “anti-imperialist” protests throughout the Sahel region. In its statement, Niger’s Foreign Ministry declared that the nation “will not accept any directive” from France or any other external entity, rejecting the EU’s “interference in its internal affairs.”